Lewis and Clark Caverns

Lewis and Clark Caverns State Park, Montana

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Montana’s first state park is a showstopper. Stalactites, stalagmites, columns and cave bacon decorate this large limestone cave. A two-hour guided tour takes visitors through two miles of walkable cave trail.
 
Personally, I prefer natural lighting to colored lights, but maybe you’ll think it’s fun and festive. The cave is highly decorated and well worth a peek.
 
Cave tours are available May – September with a few special tours during the winter holidays. 
 

 

While the cave is the main event, there is more to Lewis and Clark Caverns State Park.

  • Trails to wander on foot or bike year round
  • a state-of-the-art visitor center with interpretive displays to help the whole family learn about the park—both above and below ground
  • gift shop
  • food and beverage concessions
  • picnic areas
  • amphitheater
  • a large campground with showers, and a tipi, and three cabins
  • interpretive events in summer

If it’s a warm day, head down to the Jefferson River to wade and cool down.

Trail sign at Lewis and Clark Caverns State Park Montana

Lewis and Clark Caverns State Park Visitor Center Cave
Henry calls this the “practice cave.” It’s in the upper Visitor Center (yes, there are two).

Plan Your Trip to Lewis and Clark Caverns State Park

What: Lewis and Clark Caverns: a limestone cave, hiking trails, campground and other lodging, visitor center.
Why: See what’s under the mountain.
Where: Travel 19 miles west of Three Forks on Montana 2 or 15 miles east of Whitehall on Montana 2.
Who: Those who can walk a few miles up and down hills and stairs. The tour is two hours and there isn’t a bathroom in the cave, nor at the entrance.
Fees: It’s free to get into the park if you have Montana license plates.
Access to cave by guided tours only (see fee info below). Summer tours are available from May 1 – Sept. 30.

Summer Cave Tours are $12 for adults (12 and up), $5 for children between the ages of 6 and 11, five and under are free. Special candlelight tours of Lewis and Clark Caverns are offered during the holiday season every December.

(I so want to do this!) Wild Cave Tours – Experience Lewis & Clark Caverns like never before. This introduction to caving gives visitors a face-to-face look at some of the wildest cave geology (speleothems) Lewis and Clark Caverns offers. Participants will explore the caverns with only headlamps for light to give the full caving experience. Tours are $30 per person; ages 12 and over and reservations are required. Contact the park for details.

The Candlelight Tour at Lewis and Clark Caverns is a really special way to experience the cave. 

Lewis and Clark Caverns State Park Candlelight Tour


We’ve made a stop at Lewis and Clark Caverns State Park as part of a mini road trip to three of Montana’s State Parks. 

Mini-Road Trip to Explore 3 Montana State Parks

Or make a Lewis and Clark Caverns visit part of a larger trip around Montana.

Complete Montana Guide: Things To Do In Montana

And don’t miss these other Montana State Parks.

Guide to the Best Montana State Parks

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